Dear Editor,
In the issue of March 7th, 2024, there was a letter penned by one Jhagroo Persaud. He posed three questions to me. I suppose he was motivated to ask the questions because of my critical comments about the role of the United States in the Israeli/Palestinian conflict, among other international events.
In answer to question one, which asked if I have any gratitude to the US Republican Party for…saving democracy in Guyana in 2020?
Answer: Sure, I am very happy for the role of the US Government in those elections. They were truly on the right side of history, and we must give recognition to the US’ firm stance in that critical time.
I wish to note, in passing, the role of the Guyanese people, particularly the PPP. It was that fight – supported by the International Community, of which the US played the leading part – which saw us salvaging democracy in Guyana.
The second question was: Is the current PPP Government making the same mistakes as Dr. Jagan did?
Answer: I don’t know what mistakes Mr. Persaud is referring to. What I do know is that Dr. Jagan was elected over and over again by the people of this country at free and fair elections. He worked tirelessly, and his achievements in difficult circumstances remain unmatched. However, because of opposition locally and internationally, he was thrown out of office. That is one of Guyana’s worst tragedies. In that case, the US was most responsible, which saddled the country with a 28-year dictatorship.
The part played by the local opposition was treacherous, as they fought against our independence.
Arthur Slazenger Jr., one of President Kennedy’s advisors, apologised to Dr. Jagan for the injustice that was done to him.
The third question was: What are the major reasons for the PPP’s loss at the 2015 elections?
Answer: I do not believe that the PPP lost those elections. I still feel that the elections were rigged.
Fortunately, that can still be checked. GECOM has all the ballots locked up in a container, taking up space. I propose that Mr. Jhagroo and the Guyanese people as a whole, in the interest of truth, insist that those ballots be recounted, and then we would know if the PPP did in fact lose the election.
Sincerely,
Donald Ramotar
Former President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana
